Sunday 10-14-2018, CUP Day

Perspective - The lost tool of communication I am 6' 7" tall so I see everything from a different perspective. When telling others about Christ, we have to know what we believe and also see what they believe. Paul, the apostle, was traveling to Athens.  While there he paid attention to what the people believed there.  1.  We must enter into their world. Paul saw Athens was a city full of idols - trying to understand them and what they believed.  In the UK in the 1800 a missionary Hudson Taylor went to China.  Most missionaries would stay near the coastland, but Hudson went to the towns and villages to meet the people where they were.  He spoke and dressed and became like the people there.  In I Corinthians 10:31 to 11:1 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32) Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; [in other words, adapt as much as you can in non-sinful ways] 33) just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved. [That's the same as 9:22, "I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some." Then comes the answer to our question, in 11:1.] Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. a. Understand worldview without judgment.  Care for them. b. Understand what they care about . c. Love them for who they are. 2. Speak thoughtfully through their world view Paul reasoned (10x in Acts the word reasoned) Paul points out alter to an unknown God.  He quotes their poet "we are His offspring."   We need connected to Gospel, bridge to who they are to the Gospel.  That is what Jesus did - he spoke to fishermen - says "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men".  He made a connection to where they are. 3. Everyone we speak to will respond differently. v. 32 some were mocking Paul.  Expect that, but some wanted to hear more. v. 34 some believed Paul.   Last week we were imagining Heaven.  Jesus face to face. Invest in people with dignity and respect, with care & love - open their life to a more intimate place to talke more and share Gospel.  If they can't speak our language, then we need to speak their language. We should want to share the Gospel - it is not about me.  It is about Loving God and Doing His Will.   Challenge - Take time - die to self - tell God He can use me.